HELENA — A life-saving opiate overdose reversal drug called naloxone is now more accessible in Montana because of a law passed in the 2017 legislative session that has now been fully implemented, state officials said Thursday.

“The opioid epidemic is one we are all battling,” Gov. Steve Bullock told people from such fields as medical, law enforcement and emergency services gathered at the Helena Fire Station at the Civic Center. He added opioids are an “invisible” epidemic that have killed 700 people in Montana since 2000.

Opioids include prescription painkillers such as hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine and codeine, state officials said, as well as illegal drugs such as heroin. State officials said that every year there are 89 hospital admissions and 66 emergency department visits associated with opioid use in Montana. Four of those hospital admissions and 12 of the emergency department visits were among those under 18.

Bullock called naloxone “another tool in the toolbox to help first responders save lives.”

Dr. William Gallea of St. Peter’s Health said naloxone is a “safe” medicine that is squirted into the nose or injected into a muscle to wake people up and help them to start breathing.

“It saves lives faster than it took me to say this sentence,” he said.

He said now the drug can be given to school districts.

State officials said they have received $5 million in federal grants that will be used over a two- to three-year period for the program.

Sheila Hogan, director of the Department of Public Health and Human Services, said a standing order allows pharmacists to prescribe naloxone to eligible recipients

The new law, HB 333, allows the state to issue a standing order to prescribe on a statewide basis to eligible recipients. Rep. Frank Garner, R-Kalispell, was the primary sponsor of the bill. Officials also credited Rep. Gordon Pierson, D-Deer Lodge, for his work on the bill as well. Prior to its passage, Montana was one of five states that did not have naloxone access laws, officials said.

This allows trained first responders, public health professionals and others to carry and administer naloxone.

Dr. Nicole Clark of the Montana Medical Association said her group helped bring this legislation forward because it saves lives.

“Montana, like many states, has suffered too many opioid deaths,” said Dr. Clark. “Physicians are prescribing few opioids in Montana. This added measure is something we know will prevent future tragedies.”

The Department of Public Health and Human Services also will offer a training program later this year to teach first responders, law enforcement officers and others how to administer the drug.